Jul 14 2026

Carnitas Lunch Recipe

Time4h
Serves6

Crisp roast pork meal, served with rice and beans.

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Ingredients

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Carnitas

Method

Cooking Carnitas

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pork

    Cut the pork shoulder into large chunks and season generously with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Rub the spices into the meat to ensure it’s well-coated.

  2. 2

    Sauté Aromatics

    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves, sauté until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Combine Ingredients

    Add the seasoned pork pieces to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the orange juice and lime juice, and add bay leaves. Stir to combine everything evenly.

  4. 4

    Cook the Pork

    Cover the skillet or Dutch oven, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Stir occasionally and check for doneness.

  5. 5

    Crisp the Pork

    Once the pork is cooked and tender, remove it from the skillet and shred it with two forks. In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and return the shredded pork to the skillet. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the edges of the pork are crisp.

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